Behind the Glam: From Hustle to Empire – A Night of Truth, Power, and Possibility
Atlanta has always been known as a city where culture, creativity, and ambition collide—and on this night at Ambient Studios, it served as the perfect backdrop for Behind the Glam: From Hustle to Empire. Put together by Sierra Gates of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, the event brought together hundreds of dreamers, doers, and visionaries for a transformative evening that peeled back the glossy layers of entrepreneurship to reveal the raw, unfiltered truth behind success.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was electric. Food trucks lined the entrance offering bites to keep attendees fueled, while handcrafted drinks inside the studio encouraged mingling and networking. Conversations buzzed as attendees prepared for what would be more than just a panel discussion—it was a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and real business strategies.
Sierra Gates set the tone early, sharing her own powerful story of pain turned into power. Unlike the often-sanitized versions of success many are used to hearing, Sierra’s testimony was refreshingly transparent. She spoke candidly about the struggles, betrayals, and setbacks that shaped her journey before the followers, the fame, and the million-dollar wins. Her vulnerability reminded everyone in the room that building an empire starts with surviving the storm.
The panel itself was stacked with industry moguls who embodied the evening’s theme. Leticia Gardner, owner of Dynamic 3 Health/Med Spa, delivered insight on building a wellness brand that thrives in a competitive market. Cliff Vmir, beauty mogul and owner of Femme, highlighted how boldness and branding can create generational influence. Chanel Scott, creator of CheMinistry and Relationship Matters, emphasized the importance of authenticity and alignment, while Sherri J. White, founder of The Child Care Cartel, shared the blueprint behind scaling a movement that empowers communities.
But the gems didn’t stop there. The powerhouse team behind Gates’ “Hustle to Empire” movement made sure attendees left with tools they could immediately put into action. From branding and positioning to product marketing and grant funding, every topic was covered with precision and passion. Alex and Mary of One Atlanta Tax Solutions broke down how to maximize tax refunds and reinvest wisely into your business, while Rosezena “The Biz Lawyer” Pierce gave eye-opening clarity on trademarks and legal protection—a step too many entrepreneurs overlook until it’s too late.
Moderated by Deedee Taylor, the event was more than a lecture series. Interactive Q&A segments and journal-style reflections turned the evening into a true workshop experience. Guests weren’t just listening; they were engaging, writing, and envisioning their next bold moves.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Behind the Glam was not about hype or surface-level success—it was about empowerment through truth. Attendees walked away not only with resources and strategies but with a renewed sense of possibility. Sierra Gates and her panel of powerhouses reminded everyone that the road to empire is paved with setbacks, faith, and relentless hustle. And most importantly, it’s a journey that no one has to take alone.